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An electronic travel authority (ETA) is a digital entry requirement used to screen travelers before they board a flight or arrive at a border. It functions as a form of pre-clearance, ensuring that individuals meet the basic entry criteria before commencing their journey.
Countries are increasingly introducing ETAs to better manage, track, and process travelers from visa-exempt countries. An ETA is typically electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for a specific period. While it is not a visa, an ETA is mandatory for citizens of eligible countries who wish to travel for business purposes, family visits, short-term study, tourism, or transit.
The following countries have either implemented an ETA system or are in the process of introducing one for travelers who do not require a visa for entry.
Australia was one of the first countries to set up an ETA system, in 2008. Eligible travelers must apply via the Australian ETA app (available on the App Store and Google Play) and pay an application service fee of AUD 20. Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. It is valid for 365 days and allows multiple entries to Australia, with stays of up to 90 days per visit for eligible non-citizens.
You can apply for an Australia ETA on behalf of someone else, such as a child or elderly relative. You will need to provide the necessary information and documents for the person you are applying for.
Eligible travelers can apply for the Canada eTA online and are required to provide passport and travel information and pay a CAD 7 government fee by credit or debit card. Once approved, the eTA is linked to the passport used to apply and remains valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first.
You may apply for an eTA on behalf of someone else and will need to indicate this at the start of the application form.
Europe’s ETA system ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026 across the continent. It will apply to all visa-exempt visitors planning to travel to Europe’s Schengen Area and Cyprus. Travelers will apply through the official ETIAS website or mobile app and will be required to provide a valid travel document, relevant personal details, and pay a EUR 20 fee. Once granted, an ETIAS travel authorization will be valid for up to three years.
You can nominate a third party to apply for ETIAS on your behalf. They will submit your application through the official ETIAS website or the mobile app. Both you and the third party will need to sign a declaration of representation.
Israel’s ETA-IL was implemented in January 2025. Visitors can apply online and will need a valid e-mail address, their travel information, their personal information, and a valid passport. The application fee is NIS 25 (approximately USD 26), and once approved the ETA-IL is valid for two years. All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An approved ETA-IL indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit.
You can apply for an Israel ETA-IL on behalf of someone else and will need to indicate this at the start of the application form.
Kenya implemented its eTA in January 2024. Unlike most other ETAs, which apply only to visa-free travelers, all travelers to Kenya must apply for an eTA before entering Kenya (for exemptions please refer to the official website). The eTA application is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. It can be completed online and collects biographic information and the traveler’s responses to eligibility questions. The Kenya eTA is valid for 90 days and there is a USD 30 service fee to apply. The processing time is typically three working days, but it may take longer in some cases.
You can apply for a Kenya eTA on behalf of someone else and will need to supply your contact information.
The NZeTA allows eligible travelers to travel to New Zealand or transit through Auckland International Airport. An NZeTA request costs NZD 17 on the free mobile app (available from App Store or Google Play) or NZD 23 if completed online and requires a valid passport, a credit card or debit card, an e-mail address, and a photo of the applicant’s face. Once granted, the NZeTA is valid for two years for most travelers and allows visits of up to three months at a time (up to six months at a time for UK citizens).
You can use Immigration Online to apply for an NZeTA on behalf of someone else.
St. Kitts and Nevis introduced its eTA in 2025. Unlike most other ETAs, which apply only to visa-exempt travelers, all visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis must apply for an eTA before departing their country or origin and present it on arrival, with the exception of citizens of other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean Statesmember states (namely, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat, and the Windward Islands: Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Martin, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who require neither an eTA nor a visa). Applications are completed online or through the mobile app (available from App Store or Google Play) and require a passport, a photo, and basic personal and travel information. An application fee of USD 17 can be paid by credit card or debit card, and each eTA is only valid for a single trip.
You can apply for the St. Kitts and Nevis eTA on behalf of someone else.
K-ETA eligible travelers can submit the relevant information for approval either online or through the K-ETA mobile app (available from App Store and Google Play). A valid passport, valid e-mail address, ID photo, and a credit card or a debit card are required. The fee is KRW 10,000 (approximately USD 7) per person. Once approved, the K-ETA is valid for three years. The duration of stay varies by country, which can be checked online.
You can apply for K-ETA on behalf of somebody else via the official K-ETA website or via the mobile app.
The UK introduced ETAs in 2025 and will make them fully mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers from February 2026, ending the initial transition period. Eligible travelers can apply online or through the official mobile app (available from App Store and Google Play). Applicants will need the passport they intend to travel with, an e-mail address, and will need to upload or take photos of the face of the person applying. The application fee is GBP 16, payable by a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay and successful applicants are granted an ETA valid for multiple entries for stays of up to six months over a two-year period.
You can apply for someone else’s ETA on the UK ETA app if they are with you. If not, you must apply for their ETA online.
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the USA under its Visa Waiver Program. Applications can be made online or through a mobile app (available from App Store and Google Play). Travelers are required to provide biographic information, answer eligibility questions, and pay a USD 40 fee. ESTA approvals are typically granted for a two-year period or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. An overhaul of the ESTA system has been proposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for 2026. If implemented, this would include moving all applications on to the mobile app and expanding the personal data collected.
You can apply for an ESTA on behalf of someone else.
Disclaimer: All the details above were compiled in December 2025 and may be subject to change. Please refer to the official websites for the latest information.
Henley & Partners assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange an initial private consultation.
